Ecstatic!! Estate Sale Thievery

Last weekend, I went with a friend to check out a local estate sale.  She had word that thousands of sports cards were up for the picking.  The sale began on Friday so we could only hope there'd be a good find or two that Saturday morning.   

We were first in line at the door. Looking at the ridiculously overpriced items outside - a rusty, dented wheelbarrow for $35  [it did have a new tire] -  our prospects weren't promising. I had an idea there would be a LOT of junk.

And I was mostly correct.  The photos above are from the broker web site.  The tables were heavily picked over and looked nothing like these pictures.  The main table full of single cards was completely disarrayed with cards scattered and mixed into a biggly pile.

I found a box of 1992 Bowman marked complete set  but knew the odds were high with a $3 price tag.  The dealer said all prices were half off which made this box $1.50 and worth my time.  I found many of my favorite players and a Trevor Hoffman RC but no other RC gems. 

I picked up a sealed 2001 Bowman set marked $6.  This meant $3 so it went into my pile, knowing there'd be a relic and auto inside plus mint rookie cards!

An opened tin of 2005 Baseball Heroes marked $8. What could possibly be inside?  It was opened.

I love these cards, having often wondered about the release format and why I never saw any boxes available.  Now I know!  With eight cards per tin, it means there should be four more.

Ok, this is going well.  I get to look over the contents before deciding to pay the $4 price.  When do you ever get a chance to open the pack first???   What is card number eight???  BOOM!!!

FOUR DOLLARS FOR THIS TIN??   Into my pile it went.  There were also a few nicer cards 50% off tagged price.  What do we have here?  A Lou Brock auto for $3.  Duke Snider auto $8.  Bob Gibson auto $2. 

At this point I'm beginning to feel a bit guilty.  These people obviously know nothing about the cards they're selling.  Someone has trusted this company to sell their prized possessions and get them the best possible price.  I can see this isn't happening, not in the collectibles area of the basement anyway.

Time to check out the table of singles.  All unmarked cards were a $1 and unmarked autos $2 - and let me be clear, nothing on the table was marked.

We know this guy, and the card - known for chipping on the backside. No chipping, a gorgeous specimen - $1.

2007 Topps Co-Signers /100  Troy Tulowitzki    It may be a somewhat ugly card but for $2,  I found it quite appealing!

1954 Bowman George Kell.................. $1.

This is just too much!   I knew if I didn't buy these cards, someone else would.  At this point, I'm talking quietly with my friend about the situation.  Part of me wanted to say,  FELLAS!  You are giving these cards away!  Are you nuts????

I took one more dig into the table and picked up a card I knew did not belong there.  I looked at the sign again  - it did say that all unsigned and unmarked cards were a dollar.   This just can't be.   I took the card to the broker and pointed out that although unsigned, it wasn't a regular card.  How much do you want for this one?  He looked it over and said - $2.  Poker-faced, I replied thank you and added it to my stack.

Yes, I paid twice the asking price of $1.  Who does that?  Please, charge me more.  I did  - to alleviate any remaining thoughts of guilt.  I needed to know I'd made an honest purchase.  From his rookie year,  2001 Absolute Memorabilia Albert Pujols /200.  A gorgeous card for $2.  Although worth only what someone would pay, BV is $100-200.  

I rarely have this type of luck.  I picked up a few other cards CHEAP but these were the gems.  I'm still shaking my head over the deals.  The Yogi alone was enough to make me do a happy dance.  I was afraid if I didn't get out of there quickly,  a pole dance would be in order!